Product Info

Y1-03-0174 Rev. A Draft

5.2.2 COSPAS-SARSAT is an international system that uses Russian Federation and United States low

altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites (LEOSAR) that assist in detecting and locating activated

121.5/243 MHz PLBs and 406 MHz Satellite PLBs.

5.2.3 COSPAS and SARSAT satellites receive distress signals from satellite PLBs transmitting on the

frequency of 406 MHz. The COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz satellite PLB signal consists of a

transmission of non-modulated carrier followed by a digital message format that provides

identification data. The 406 MHz system uses spacecraft-borne equipment to measure and store the

Doppler-shifted frequency along with the satellite PLB digital data message and time of

measurement. This information is transmitted in real time to an earth station called the Local User

Terminal (LUT), which may be within the view of the satellite, as well as being stored for later

transmission to other LUTs.

5.2.4 The LUT processes the Doppler-shifted signal from the LEOSAR and determines the location of the

satellite PLB; then the LUT relays the position of the distress to a Mission Control Center (MCC)

where the distress alert and location information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate Rescue

Coordination Center (RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces.

5.2.5 The COSPAS-SARSAT System includes 36 LEOSAR LUT stations, 6 GEOSAR LUT stations and

19 Mission Control Centers that provide real-time as well as global-mode coverage for the Northern

Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere is presently served primarily by the global mode.

Additional LUTs and MCCs are planned for installation in the near future both in the northern and

southern hemispheres.

The addition of the GEOSAR Satellite system greatly improves the reaction time for a SAR event.

This satellite system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 but will relay the distress alert to any of the

LUT stations. When there is GPS data included in the distress message, SAR authorities instantly

know your location to within 110 yards. This speeds up the reaction time by not having to wait for

one of the LEOSAR satellite to pass overhead.

5.2.6 Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home in on the 406 MHz

Satellite PLB signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.

SATELLITE COVERAGE

Figure 5